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New palliative guidelines a great step in positive direction

by McBlog2 • 29 December 2015 • Comments Off on New palliative guidelines a great step in positive direction

Lecretia Seales’ husband backs palliative care guidance but says more neededStuff co.nz 23 December 2015
The husband of Lecretia Seales says new palliative care guidelines are a positive step but will not do enough to help some dying patients like his late wife.

The guidance Te Ara Whakapiri: Principles and guidance for the last days of life released by the Government on Monday outlines how health professionals should care for patients at the end of their lives.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said it was important that Kiwis could access “quality, personalised and compassionate palliative care”, with around 17,000 adults and their families using the services in 2015.

Coleman said the new guidance placed a greater focus on developing individual care plans, as well as “clear and respectful” communication.

“This guidance has been designed to help ensure consistent and quality care is provided for New Zealanders, whether they are in a hospice, aged residential care, hospital or their own home.”